Viking's Embrace by Suzannah Daniels

Author:Suzannah Daniels [Daniels, Suzannah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-01-08T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

Marina stretched lazily and smiled as Eirik caressed her breast, his touch as gentle as a spring breeze. He whispered softly in her ear, and she breathed in his masculine scent. Suddenly, she bolted upright in bed, her disheveled hair cascading over her shoulders. Good heavens! She had been dreaming about him!

She found herself hoping that he would return soon. But what difference did it make? She would not wed him. Though, it was a pleasing thought to wake up with him every morn. Nay, if she wed him, he would be constantly telling her what to do, treating her as if she were no more than a helpless child. But then again, he had been right. If she had stayed close to the longhouse, Roscoe would not have been able to capture her. And Eirik would not be chasing Roscoe across the countryside, risking his life.

Oh, dear. What if something happened to him? ‘Twould be her own fault. He was risking his life for her, and she could do naught but find fault with him. It was not her nature to search for shortcomings in another. Why did Eirik affect her so?

She would just be relieved to see him so she could see with her own eyes that he was unharmed. Aye, that was it. Then, she could shirk any feelings of responsibility toward him, and he could return to Kristin where he belonged.

Her life was here now. Now that she had found her father, she would never leave him, at least not for any great length of time. Nay, he would take care of her, and she would take care of him. Chancey would teach her to ride.

Chancey!

With all of her thoughts of Eirik, she had forgotten about Chancey! She had to hurry and get to the stables, so she could begin her riding lesson. Scrambling out of bed, Marina dressed as quickly as she could and rushed to the stables where Chancey was leaning against the door frame, chewing on a piece of straw.

When he saw her running toward him, he straightened and bowed to her as she stopped breathlessly before him. “Morning, my lady,” he greeted her, a crooked smile planted lazily across his face.

“Good morning, Chancey. Have you been waiting very long?”

“Nay, my lady. Not long at all. I think Rosie should like to ride to the stream this fine morn. Mayhap we could cross it and continue on the path in the forest. It is a peaceful ride with birds singing and the fresh smell of the earth.”

“Aye, I should like that, as well. Mayhap we could canter back to the stables afterward.”

Chancey grinned at her eagerness. “Mayhap, my lady.”

He grasped her waist, lifted her atop Rosie, and then mounted his dappled gray. She situated her skirts and clicked her heel to the horse’s hindquarters, signaling Rosie to follow Chancey.

The sun was ablaze in the clear, morning sky as they crossed the drawbridge, the wind chasing puffy white clouds to the east. Marina smiled as Rosie obeyed her every command, making her feel like a master horsewoman.

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